NORWALK, CT: Chet Burchett, who recently left his post as the US CEO of Burson-Marsteller, has been named president of Reed Exhibitions North America, which manages trade shows.

Upon the announcement of his departure from the agency early this month, Burchett declined to discuss his reasons for leaving. A memo distributed company-wide, however, said Burchett was interested in entering a new business.

Burchett's appointment is effective February 17.

"Given the parallels and some of the challenges that the exhibition industry has faced in recent years, Burchett's experience in a similar b-to-b environment will serve him well in this new capacity," Reed Exhibitions chairman Mike Rusbridge said in a press release.